The Windows 10 Clock is Ticking…

We’ve known this date is coming for a while, but today marks exactly one year to the end of Windows 7 support, and therefore the deadline date for your transformation to a “Modern Client” platform such as Windows 10.

No doubt you’ve been thinking about this a lot, and many organisations are already progressing their activities to meet this deadline. However there may be some who are taking a different approach, and asking themselves “what exactly is there to worry about” – for example:

Nothing will actually stop working on January 14 2020 – if we’re still on Windows 7 it will continue to work – wont it?

Microsoft announced last year that they were extending support for Windows 7 through to 2023 – didn’t they?

We’ve been told the transition to Windows 10 is the simplest and easiest yet – isn’t it?

All of the above statements are true, to a degree, but I’d like to flip the conversation around. The market has been dominated with the impact of “Windows as a Service” (Evergreen) and the challenges and problems that a regular update cycle will present. The above questions pose more of a “Why do I need to?” rather than a “Why should I?”. Let’s answer both.

Why do I need to move off Windows 7 by January 14th 2020?

Microsoft will stop providing security and update patches on this date, leaving your devices exposed to security vulnerabilities and your organisation potentially open to compliance issues.

The “Extended Support Updates” to 2023 are not free – and the price is high for something that’s not moving you forward at all.

Your organisation and users are using 10 year old technology (Windows 7 was released in 2009). Think about what has changed in the technology world in 10 years and the opportunities you are inevitably missing out on by using old tech

Your application providers and partners will be modernising their solutions to work on modern technology and keep pace with the market. How long will they support the “legacy?”

So that’s the negative, arguably the “FUD” angle. Now look at this the other way around:

Why should I be running a modern platform such as Windows 10?

Significant security enhancements within the Operating System, and integrated in the hardware to mitigate security threats of the modern connected world.

Enhanced mobility with an effective touch interface – meaning your users can work flexibly on the device of their choice in an array of location and circumstances.

A modern look and feel – more commensurate with what people are used to at home, supporting the ethos of “Digital Workplace”.

There are a range of other benefits, these are just a few examples – but it’s clear there should be a “Pull” to upgrade as well as a “Push”.

Or from another perspective….

So all of this is logical and evolutionary. What about a more radical revolutionary approach?

In the world of consumer choice, cloud services and pervasive mobility there are other options. You don’t need to continually furrow a Windows platform strategy. What about adopting Apple to delight your users? We’re seeing significant growth of Mac in enterprise and it’s viable for all use cases now. What about alternative technology types? Does it need to be a PC – what about a Tablet or Smartphone to help your users mobility to be productive and improve customer service? With some minor tweaks you can radically change your workflows and provide a step change in how you engage your customers and enable your people.

There are various options – the point is you don’t NEED to relentlessly pursue a Windows only option – there are now very viable alternatives.

Either way, it’s going to be a busy 2019 – and its only just begun! So if you need any help to get started or accelerate your activities, feel free to get in touch